People Who Expect Everyone To Care About Them But Have No Empathy For Others Say 9 Phrases On A Near Daily Basis
TanyaJoy | Shutterstock Have you ever met someone whose high standards are impossible to meet? At first, these expectations come off like confidence. They know what they want and deserve, and that's an appealing trait.
Soon enough you realize that it's about a lot more than self-esteem, it's about entitlement. They want you to care about them, but the moment a challenging situation arises, they're nowhere to be found. These people expect everyone else to care in ways they never will, and it's best to identify them early, as their lack of empathy for others will eventually blow up.
Phrases people say on a near-daily basis when they expect everyone to care about them, but they have no empathy for others
1. 'Nobody ever checks up on me'
PeopleImages | Shutterstock
The people who think everyone should care about them, but rarely show that same attention for others often feel like a victim because people don't show up for them. What they don't realize is that they're the reason why.
During times of distress, feeling supported by friends and family makes all the difference. But when it's their turn to offer the same care, these hypocrites are nowhere to be found. Suddenly they're too busy to pick up the phone and they'll make every excuse in the book.
Between their fish drowning and work overwhelming them, they'll only crash out when people give them a taste of their own medicine.
2. 'Nobody appreciates what I do
Prostock-studio | Shutterstock
It sucks not being appreciated. When someone has been struggling to keep it together, wanting to feel acknowledged for what they do is normal.
However, these hypocrites don't actually care to be acknowledged. They say they do, but even if someone showed them appreciation, it wouldn't be enough. Nothing is ever enough.
They aren't respectfully sitting down to discuss how neglected they've been feeling when their partner has been working long hours. It's only when they've been put on blast that they have something to say. The goal is to distract, not resolve.
As psychotherapist Erin Leonard, Ph.D. writes, "Manipulative people are highly skilled at inflicting guilt, using egocentrism, and acting like they are the victim." So, be wary of people who say this only when they've been called out. Nine times out of ten, it isn't authentic.
3. 'You should've just known'
Drazen Zigic | Shutterstock
The people who think everyone owes them love and attention expect people to be mind-readers. They have zero sympathy for those who aren't jumping to meet their needs. If the person isn't breaking their backs on the fly, they'll almost always say, "You should've just known what I needed."
Most of them don't have the emotional maturity to see anyone else's side. In their eyes, their perspective is the only right one.
Because of this lack of empathy, they assume you should've known without ever showing you the respect of being clear about what they want and need. Unfortunately for them, assumption never works in their favor. Not only does it lead to miscommunication, but it can completely damage their relationship if they aren't careful.
4. 'I can't believe you'd do that to me'
buritora | Shutterstock
It's justifiable to to get angry and express disbelief when someone betrays you, but people who have no empathy for others expect perfection from everyone else.
Worse, they expect everyone should say "yes" to anything they ask of them and go along with all their random ideas, no matter how bad they are. When you don't, it's like you've stolen their grandma's engagement ring or stolen their girlfriend.
While real friends accept tough love, hypocrites can't handle the heat. Too caught up in how you made them feel, they don't realize that the things they're crying about now are the same things they've said to others. Used to being self-centered, they'll never grow unless they take a step back from their own perspective.
5. 'You're always making it about yourself'
Miljan Zivkovic | Shutterstock
If you know someone who expects way more from others than they'd ever give, you probably would laugh if you heard them say, "You're always making it about yourself!"
After all, they're the ones who make everything about them. Nothing is good enough and they can ruin pretty much any good moment with an attention-grabbing complaint.
If the entire conversation isn't about them, expect hypocrites to make the other person feel bad. It's awful, but they don't care. As long as their needs are met, everyone else can eat dirt.
6. 'I shouldn't have to explain myself'
Paula VV | Shutterstock
Most people don't mind explaining themselves, and they know it's important to be clear with their expectations and what they need. But these hypocrites want others to read their minds.
Call them immature, but they won't change. They don't care how ignorant they sound because vulnerability makes them uncomfortable, they'd rather blame others than realize they need to step up in order to actually have a good relationship, or even friendship.
7. 'You're being selfish'
KaterynaUKR | Shutterstock
People who expect way more than they'll ever give need to keep up the facade of being superior. This is why they're quick to turn it around and say, "You're being selfish," when anyone else expresses a need.
No, needing time to yourself or demanding basic respect doesn't make you selfish. But thinking of anyone other than this hypocrite's needs enrages them.
If your instinct in this moment is to try to prove that you're not actually selfish, maybe by listing all of the things you do for them or other people, save your breath. They're not listening, they're just preparing their defense (and their offense, too).
They won't change until they're ready, so focus on yourself and let them believe whatever they want about you. You know who you are.
8. 'Sorry, I never text someone first'
Andrii lemelianenko | Shutterstock
In their eyes, they're the prize. They won't text first because they won't make themselves vulnerable. In a healthy relationship, both parties give it their all. It isn't just one person standing on the sidelines while the other constantly has to prove they're worthy.
Even in friendship, it takes two to make a relationship blossom. It's hard work, but mutual effort only makes the relationship that much stronger. This is why texting, "Why should I text first," is disrespectful. Not only is it hypocritical of them, but it's ignorant too.
9. 'People are so inconsiderate these days'
Antonio Guillem | Shutterstock
It doesn't matter how good you are to the person who wants it all but rarely offers anything, you will never be kind or considerate enough for them. Even the kindest people mess up, and then the hypocrite in your life will see you as all bad, just another one of those inconsiderate people.
How we react to other people's mistakes says a lot about us. Hypocrites want endless forgiveness, but won't forgive anyone else.
See, it's how we handle mistakes that determines how much we grow. While others can acknowledge the human in themselves and in others, hypocrites do what they do best: set a double standard, one where they'll always be better than you.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
